King James Version

What Does Proverbs 24:14 Mean?

Proverbs 24:14 in the King James Version says “So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expect...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.”

Proverbs 24:14 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

12

If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

13

My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: to: Heb. upon thy palate

14

So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

15

Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

16

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Read Proverbs 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul'—like honey's sweetness (v. 13), wisdom delights and nourishes the soul. Finding wisdom brings threefold benefit: present delight, certain hope ('there is an end'), and unfailing expectation. The 'end' (Hebrew 'acharith') means future or outcome—wisdom leads to good endings. Your 'expectation shall not be cut off'—hope will be fulfilled, not disappointed. This promises that pursuing wisdom pays off both temporally and eternally. Wisdom's path may be difficult but its destination is sure. By contrast, folly's path may seem pleasant but ends in death. Choose wisdom despite present costs; your hope will not prove vain. God rewards those who diligently seek Him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's covenant promises linked obedience to blessing and disobedience to curse. While gospel fulfills this through Christ, the principle remains: wisdom leads to life; folly leads to death.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you pursuing wisdom with confidence that your expectation will not be disappointed?
  2. What immediate costs of wisdom are you willing to bear for the certain future reward?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
כֵּ֤ן׀1 of 11
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

דְּעֶ֥ה2 of 11

“So shall the knowledge”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

חָכְמָ֗ה3 of 11

“of wisdom”

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

לְנַ֫פְשֶׁ֥ךָ4 of 11

“be unto thy soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אִם5 of 11
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

מָ֭צָאתָ6 of 11

“when thou hast found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

וְיֵ֣שׁ7 of 11

“it then there shall be”

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

אַחֲרִ֑ית8 of 11

“a reward”

H319

the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity

וְ֝תִקְוָתְךָ֗9 of 11

“and thy expectation”

H8615

literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy

לֹ֣א10 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִכָּרֵֽת׃11 of 11

“shall not be cut off”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 24:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 24:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 1:25Jeremiah 15:16Proverbs 2:10Proverbs 23:18Psalms 119:103Proverbs 22:18

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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